Jakarta, Jan. 14 -- Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa plans to add another layer of excise tax on tobacco products (CHT), or cigarettes, this year.

"We will confirm a new layer, perhaps. It is still being discussed," he told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to him, the added tariff layer is intended to encourage illicit cigarette producers to transition into the legal market, ensuring that all industry players fulfill their tax obligations to the state.

Purbaya said strict sanctions would be imposed on parties that continue to evade their obligations.

"I have warned them. Once the regulation is issued, possibly next week, any continued non-compliance will be met with firm enforcement," he emphasized.

The CHT tariff st...